Us Foundation Summer Camp 1999

Camp Whittier

From August 23 through the 27th, 1999, 50 at risk teens and more than 30
volunteer counselors took part in the Us Foundation summer camp at Camp
Whittier. Camp Whittier is a rustic 55 acre camp property located 17 miles
north of Santa Barbara nestled among the hills of Los Padres National Forest,
near Lake Cachuma.

It was a wonderful week; the transformation in the teens, as well as in the
volunteers, was heartwarming. No one was left untouched by the love and caring
support that we all shared during our magical week together. In short the
campers all had fun, and even the shy ones came out of their shells and
blossomed in the love that was shared by the counselors. One of the volunteers
told a wonderful story about the younger teens really appreciating how the camp
was "so fun and great" after they left, it only took till they got home for
them to fully realize it. Ah, transformation! It happens when we least expect
it : )

On the first day of camp, teens, aged 13-17 years old, arrived in the morning
from Santa Barbara, Goleta, Isla Vista, and Lompoc and other surrounding areas.
Their bags were transported to the boys' and girls' cabins and then orientation
tours were conducted for all the campers.

For each of the next four days, campers enjoyed a hearty breakfast followed by
their choice of several three-hour personal transformation and motivation
workshops. After a healthy lunch, the teens chose from a rich assortment of
afternoon activities including swimming, hiking, ropes course, basketball,
football, archery, jewelry making, art, massage, collage making, photography,
video documentary, and other fun and creative programs. In the evenings, the
teens watched the daily news created by our instant television station, WHIT,
that was filmed and narrated by a crew of their fellow campers during the day.
Most evenings ended with stories by the camp-fire.

On the Thursday afternoon campers hiked to Lake Cachuma for a nature cruise,
watershed education, and practical testing experience lead by the 4H Aqua Pura
counselors. That evening, a whale and dolphin expert shared stories and videos
about the life and inter-relationship between sea life and the human world. On
another evening, the campers heard a Native American share experiences about
the history of the land on which Camp Whittier stands. On the last evening, the
camp community enjoyed a play which was written, produced and performed by the
teens themselves from material developed in their morning workshops, The play
was followed by a dance party with a live DJ.

While the teens had a great time, some revealing comments about the camp came
from the counselors and included quotes like, "The week was more powerfully
transformative than any workshop or retreat I've ever been to; and I've been to
many all over the world, including India!" "The week brought up my shadows to
deal with more effectively than I have ever experienced." "I can't wait to come
back, I had so much fun!"

A key measurement of success for a community project like Us Foundation's camp
for At Risk Teens is what happens after the camp? How does the caring and
learning continue? Some wonderful stories have filtered in, including one teen
facing the truth of his alcohol addiction and going for help; another
discovering an innate talent for massage and now planning to attend massage
school; many campers continuing personal transformation work they began at
camp; and several campers returned to Camp Whittier to clear a trail to make up
for their lapse in judgment at camp. : )

A debriefing party for the counselors was held to share camp stories, learn from
our experience, to explore new possibilities to make next year's experience
even better, and to celebrate and enjoy each other's company. Many new and old
friendships were made and renewed and it was fun to share and play together.

Camp Whittier was a highly successful and magical experience on many levels and
yes, a bit nerve racking at times : )

Please return to our website to stay updated on camper and counselor updates and
watch for the announcement of the place and dates for next year's camp.

A special thank you to all the teens who attended Camp Whittier 1999 for having
the courage to open your hearts and minds to the information we shared. We
really hope it made a difference for you and that you will carry many good
memories with you always.

And a big thank you to the all the counselors and volunteers who gave generously
of their time, energy and love to create a very special week for teens who
don't normally have this kind of opportunity.